Bayad And Ventaja, Elevating Digital Financial Solutions for Filipinos Overseas

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In an effort to make greater strides in the country’s digital payment transformation, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Bayad)– the pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system and a full-service fintech subsidiary of Meralco – has officially renewed its partnership with Ventaja International Corp., a fintech institution, initially developed as a telecom prepaid card provider for Filipino migrant workers based overseas, and is now offering a variety of financial services such as remittance, loading and bills payment services for both government and household utilities, all of which, are powered and supported by Bayad’s robust biller aggregator system.

CHAMPIONING DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION: Executives of Bayad and Ventaja on their partnership signing. Seen in the photo (from L-R) are Ventaja Chief Operations Officer Zaida G. Batallones, Ventaja Chief Executive Officer Vincent Paul D. Grey, Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer, and Bayad Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer Dennis S. Gatuslao.

Bayad brings in Meralco, Autosweep, Easytrip, SSS, and many others biller brands in Ventaja’s mobile application called Payremit and through Ventaja’s domestic and international payment centers. With this, even Filipinos overseas can be able to help settle their families’ bills in the Philippines and regularly pay for their government contributions at the same time.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared, “We continue to expand our payment footprint globally, as we aim to elevate the payment experience of our kababayans. Our goal is centered on boosting their financial wellbeing, as we help them seamlessly settle their families’ bills in the Philippines, and at the same time, invest for their future through government contributions.

“We are with Ventaja in helping OFWs strengthen their ties to home, and we highly value every story of hard work that our kababayans experience before they are able to provide for their families’ needs back home”, added Ferrer.

Ventaja President and CEO Vincent D. Grey also shared “We are thrilled and grateful for our renewed partnership with Bayad as we both maximize the opportunity to offer enhanced payment services to Filipinos overseas. This way we can further financial inclusion and help boost the country’s economic growth.”

For fintech institutions like Ventaja that are interested in being part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain a nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

COMCO Mundo culminates “Epic 7 Years” celebration with growth and expansion

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Global award-winning communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises (COMCO Mundo) has culminated its 7th anniversary celebration with the recently held COMCO Epic 7 Years Main Event, highlighting its growth as an umbrella organization alongside its agencies COMCO Southeast Asia (COMCO SEA), COMCO Middle East and Africa (COMCO MEA), and TARO AOX Inc.; the formal introduction of its three new major offerings Story Lab Communications Development and Support Ecosystem, CODEVA or Communications Development Academy, and SEA Wave & Spice Multimedia Content Studio; and the kick-off of COMCO Southeast Asia - Singapore.

Growth in Southeast Asia and Middle East and Africa

To further pursue its brand of Meaningful Storytelling, COMCO Southeast Asia has expanded its services through its new streamlined divisions: Public Relations and Communications (PRC) and Communications and Marketing Services (CMS). PRC services include Consumer Marketing and Brand Communications; Corporate Public Relations; Corporate Social Responsibility; Internal Communications; Influencer Engagement and Grassroots Communications; and Issues and Crisis Communications; while CMS offers Events and Activation; Special Media and Advertising Executions; and Branding. COMCO SEA marked the year with continued partnership with its long-time clients including Aseana City, Eastern Communications, European Union, Jobstreet, PHILUSA Corporation, Rémy Martin, Takeda, Teleperformance, and Lenovo; and onboarding of new brand partners such as AirAsia Superapp, Century Tuna, Uratex Mattresses, Uratex Monoblock, Alaxan FR, LaLiga, MDI Novare, Sony, Toshiba, and Concepcion Midea Inc.

The COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises

Reaping off major metals from various local and international award-giving bodies over the years, COMCO SEA made history by being the 1st and only PR agency in the Philippines to win PR Consultancy of the Year (Medium Consultancy Category) in the prestigious PRCA APAC (Public Relations and Communications Association Asia-Pacific) Awards 2023. The Consultancy of the Year is awarded to an agency that has exemplary operations on business, effective results, community leadership, and innovation.

Sustaining its remarkable debut in the industry and maintaining its position as the PR agency that banks on building brand love across the region, COMCO Middle East and Africa further accelerates with major account wins this year across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the rest of the MEA region. Some of COMCO MEA’s key clients include Costa Coffee, the Middle East Film and Comic Convention, Empire Entertainment, Paramount Hotels, LEOS Development, The Wizarding World Shop by Fandom, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi and Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, and Geidea, one of the top fintech companies in Saudi Arabia.

COMCO Mundo with the COMCOmigos from brand partners, industry, media, the blogosphere, and Camp COMCO Alumni Society

The year 2023 also served as the launch of COMCO Mundo’s specialist agency for digital and integrated communications, TARO AOX Inc. The Agency has two divisions - Digital, Social, and Emerging Platforms (DSE) and Integrated Communications (ICOM). DSE focuses on Social Media, Digital Activation, Content Marketing, Virtual and Online Events, Social Listening, Digital Analytics, Media Buying and Planning, Search Optimization and Marketing, and Website and Application Management; while ICOM offers Digital PR, Integrated Communications, and Influencer Marketing. TARO AOX Inc. has just started but is now in full blast handling major accounts such as Goodyear, Hallmark, HLA Fashion, Lamoiyan Corporation, Samsung Mobile, and Sun Life Global Solutions.

Ultimately, COMCO Mundo as a parent and flagship unit reinforces its work for the Group’s Executive Leadership and Governance; MARCOMAX (Marketing, Communications, Advocacy and Excellence; Project CODY (Corporate Identity and Branding); MEXINAC (Media, Experts, Influencers, Activators and Communities); and ACTDEV (Agency Culture and Team Development); and also continues to lead landmark initiatives such as the recently held UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Season 3 and work on key advocacy projects through the Group’s Citizen COMCO Advocacy Program and Camp COMCO Alumni Society.

Furthermore, COMCO Mundo reintroduces COMCOffee Club which serves as COMCO Mundo’s shared services for the Group’s companies, business units, and programs, covering Finance and Accounting; ARC or Audit, Risk Management, and Compliance; and Administration which includes Office Management, Team Care (Talent Development), Legal Affairs, and Information Technology.

Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy, COMCO Mundo's Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel/Partner and Co-Founder announces the 7 milestones being celebrated including exciting company updates

Three New Offerings

A testament to COMCO’s unwavering dedication to meaningful storytelling is the birth of Story Lab Communications Development and Support Ecosystem, an exciting addition to COMCO’s specialized offerings set to revolutionize the way brands connect with their audiences. Story Lab specializes in Communications Research and Planning, Editorial and Publication Services, and Media Monitoring, Measurement, and Analytics.

Meanwhile, CODEVA, or Communications Development Academy will manage the training and development programs and offerings of the group. Aside from the award-winning Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, COMCO Mundo will house in CODEVA the group’s professional training programs for Media Affairs, Crisis Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cause Related Marketing, Advocacy Communications, Social Media, and Content Marketing, among others.

COMCO Mundo will also broaden the services of SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine and introduce the SEA Wave & Spice Multimedia Content Studio. The SEA Wave & Spice Multimedia Content Studio will diversify and create studio-produced titles encompassing the SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine which will include content for Facebook, YouTube, and podcasts, among others. Expanding its content arsenal, SEA Wave & Spice will also offer Content, Multimedia Arts, and Video Storytelling services for brands and Talent Management for bloggers, content creators, and influencers.

Regional Reinforcement

In a move that exemplifies COMCO's commitment to regional excellence, the Agency is thrilled to kickstart the opening of COMCO Southeast Asia - Singapore this 4th quarter of 2023. This strategic expansion allows COMCO to deepen its presence in the dynamic Southeast Asian market, providing clients with localized expertise and access to a broader network. Like COMCO SEA Philippines, COMCO SEA Singapore is set to be a regional hub for excellence in the field of communications, public relations, and social media.

"What we built is more than a group of companies but a community that became a creativity playground and craftsmanship vessel for talents who want to do the best work of their lives and brands and organizations that persevere to have meaningful connections to their publics and make positive impact to communities. On our 5th year, we did the impossible by pivoting amid the pandemic and expanding from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Africa. And each time we accomplish something, it paves the way for the beginning of a new journey. Hence, this COMCO Epic Seven Years celebration is the kickstart of another great adventure," said Ferdinand L. Bondoy, Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises.

COMCO Mundo executives together with the recipients of the Loyalty and Excellence Award. In photo are (1st row, standing, from left): Rachel Syfargo - Communications Support Services Director / Partner, COMCO Mundo; Janela Mauryn Bufi - Associate Account Operations Manager and Business Unit Administrator Pro Tempore for Integrated Communications, TARO AOX Inc.; Patricia Anne Rana - Senior Corporate Services Officer and Special Assistant to the Comptroller, COMCO Mundo; Ferdinand L. Bondoy - Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder, COMCO Mundo; Joan Maslang - Corporate Services Director and Comptroller / Partner, COMCO Mundo; and Queenie Joy Resmundo - Senior Account Operations Manager and Business Unit Administrator Pro Tempore for Public Relations and Communications, COMCO Southeast Asia; Also in photo are (2nd row, from left): Justin Harvey Llamosa - Chief of Staff to the Group Chief Executive Director and Senior Executive Initiatives and Communications Manager /Partner, COMCO Mundo; Ramil Balaong - Production and Logistics Attendant, COMCO Mundo; and Albin Christian Recio - Senior Manager and Business Unit Administrator Pro Tempore for Multimedia Content Studio / Partner, SEA Wave & Spice Multimedia Content Studio).

To know more and stay updated with COMCO Mundo, please visit www.comcomundo.com or follow fb.com/comcomundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo on LinkedIn and @comcomundo on Instagram.

Revolutionizing Travel Experiences Worldwide via Travereel – Book, Travel, Connect, and Earn!

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Today marks a remarkable occasion in the world of travel with the official launch of Travereel, a groundbreaking and revolutionary travel mobile application that promises to transform how people explore and experience the world.

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Don't miss out on this exciting new chapter in travel. Download Travereel today and let the journey begin. Get ready to book, travel, connect, and earn!

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Selcouth’s Travereel mobile app is set to change the way you plan and enjoy your travel experiences, providing a seamless, one-stop solution for all your travel needs.

This game-changing travel app lets you book your stay or destination seamlessly by just clicking and watching the reels shared by fellow travelers. Travel offers you an incredible variety of options, whether you wish to stay in a stylish metropolitan apartment, an opulent beach resort, or a cozy B&B in the countryside.

“Travereel was born out of a passion for exploring the world and the belief that travel should be accessible, personalized, and unforgettable for everyone,” said Debbie Nebaya, Travereel CEO. “Our team has poured their hearts into creating this app, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to life and empower travelers to embark on journeys that leave a lasting imprint on their hearts.”

L-R: Mr. Deepak Kumar, Paymonggo Head of Growth and Sales; Mr. Kurt Molina, Billease Head of Merchant Products; Mr. Terence Ridder, Lizard Global CEO of Asia; Mr. Ricky Sy, Travereel Chairman and Investor; Ms. Debbie Nebaya, Travereel CEO; Ms. Vicky Rada, Travereel COO; Mr. Mark Dela Cruz, Travereel Digital Marketing Manager; Paige Ranola and Jewel Mesina, Travereel Influencers

Enjoy a fun, engaging, reliable display of hotel properties through short vertical videos from our travel community, and imagine how your next day's vacation will look like.

Travereel is more than just a travel app; it's your personalized travel concierge, offering a wide range of features to enhance your journeys. Here are some notable key features of the app:

• Discover Hidden Gems: Find off-the-beaten-path attractions, local eateries, and cultural experiences with our curated recommendations and user-generated content. Get a taste of authentic travel with Travereel. 

• Travel Social Network: Connect with fellow travelers, share your experiences, and get real-time advice from the Travereel community. Discover travel buddies and create lasting memories through your own travel experiences. 

• Seamless booking: Book your preferred hotel in just click and tap. Travereel gives you seamless booking experience by clicking the ‘Book’ button on the reel. 

• Flexible payment terms: Payment convenience via different payment options from Paymonggo: Debit and Credit Card, GCash, Maya, and Billease. Users can also opt for the Buy Now, Pay Later payment terms. 

• Earn Commission: Be a content creator and post your own travel experiences. Post videos and receive an affiliate commission for bookings from your shared travel reels and vlogs. 

• Safety Features: Stay informed about travel advisories and emergency contact information, and receive safety tips to ensure your well-being while exploring new destinations.

Travereel is now available for both iOS and Android, ensuring that no matter your device, you can experience the world at your fingertips. Our commitment to providing a user-friendly, accessible platform is at the heart of Travereel's development.

For more information, visit Traveleers’ website www.travereel.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/TRAVEREEL2022),(Instagram.com/travereel.app), TikTok (TikTok.com/@travereel), and YouTube (YouTube.com/@Travereel).

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About Travereel

Selcouth’s Travereel mobile app revolutionizes the way you plan and book your vacations. Discover new destinations and visualize your following holidays by watching the reels shared by fellow travelers and book your accommodations seamlessly in the comfort of your seats.

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About Selcouth

Selco was founded in 2022, the maker of Travereel, with the mission to make booking easy and accessible for everyone. It aims to provide a seamless, user-friendly platform that connects people with the best accommodations.

Globe’s Hapag Movement volunteers deliver hot meals to Marikina community on World Food Day

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Through its #UniteForHapag campaign, Globe’s Hapag Movement, recently brought together volunteers for a supplemental feeding program for vulnerable families in Marikina City, part of its commemoration of World Food Day.

Partnering with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) PH, Globe recently organized a volunteer activity in Barangay Concepcion Uno, Marikina City, where volunteers were able to prepare 300 meals, and later on distributed it in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City serving a total of 300 individuals. It was led by Globe employees, Team Globe of Good influencers, and media partners, who worked together to prepare and deliver hot meals to beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries include children from low-income and food-vulnerable families in a community that is prone to flooding.

“Through hands-on engagement, our volunteers actively participate in community initiatives, food drives, and educational programs that also tackle food waste. By fostering a spirit of volunteerism, we not only contribute to immediate relief efforts but also empower communities to address the root causes of hunger and food waste in a sustainable manner,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Kerwin King from Team Globe of Good, who joined the feeding program, emphasizes the role of influencers and content creators in advancing the cause.

“To sustain the people’s interest in addressing food insecurity, it’s important for us to communicate. Importante talagang gamitin ang social media like TikTok kasi napaka-powerful ng social media ngayon, but we have to be careful with misinformation para mas marami pa tayong ma-enganyong tumulong sa mga Piipino. Alam ko namang makakabangon tayong lahat,” he stressed.

Another Team Globe of Good Ambassador, host, model and entrepreneur Mela Habijan, invited everyone to be part of the Hapag Movement.

“Through uniting with Hapag, we will be able to not just feed our Filipino families but make them feel hopeful in these trying times. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama-sama, ang pag-asang ito ang magiging dahilan para tayo ay maging buo bilang nasyon,” she said.

Spotlight: SOS Philippines

The activity illustrates the impact of the Hapag Movement, a campaign launched in 2022 to address involuntary hunger in the Philippines, which worsened during and in the aftermath of the pandemic marked by accelerated inflation. Among its ecosystem of partners is SOS Philippines, an organization that aims to address food waste.

Data from the Food Consumption Survey by the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) indicates that the Philippines sees a staggering 1,717 metric tons of food wastage each day. Further highlighting this concern, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has reported that an average Filipino discards about one tablespoon, or 14 grams, of rice daily. This translates to a daily monetary loss of ₱23 million from wasted rice alone.

Addressing this alarming data, Arthur Winston Bitangcol, SOS Director of Operations, stated, "We estimate that we waste a third of the food that we produce. So that's the reason why SOS and similar food rescue organizations exist to hopefully divert and redistribute food that is otherwise serviceable and fit for human consumption, from the landfills. We encourage food companies that have a food surplus to reach out to us through our social media pages so that we could work together.”

While SOS primarily addresses commercial food waste, Bitangcol noted that the challenge of residential food wastage persists. He implored everyone to practice individual responsibility and be mindful of their consumption, wherever they may be.

The #UniteForHapag campaign calls on individuals and organizations alike to rally behind a shared vision: to end hunger, reduce food waste, and uplift the lives of all Filipinos. The movement emphasizes unity, believing that collectively, they can ensure every Filipino has access to a nourishing meal.

To learn more about Globe and the Hapag Movement, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

The Magic of Music and Storytelling: Sony Music Entertainment and SPARK! release an empowering documentary for girls

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“There is always light,” says 21-year old Irish Miras, as she remembers the trauma she experienced as a child. Her voice is soft, her words strong. “If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell her: ‘We are alive. We are doing okay.’”

(From L to R, Sofia Abrogar of Any Name’s Okay; Hazel Faith; Jennifer Goldstein, Asst. Cultural Affairs Officer, US Embassy in the Philippines; Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines; Diane Romero, Executive Director, J. Amado Araneta Foundation; Maica Teves, Executive Director, SPARK!; Carmen del Prado, Sine Niña Director)

Irish is one of four young women featured in the documentary Sine Niña, a film that showcases the unique stories of women across the Philippines. Each story is set to inspire, uplift, and empower audiences—as well as start important conversations around equality, purpose, and mental health.

The film is the culmination of a partnership between SPARK! (Samahan ng mga Pilipina Para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran), an NGO committed to the development of women and women’s organizations; and Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, which provides grants to projects that support social justice and anti-racist initiatives around the world. The partnership harnesses the power of storytelling, using music and film to highlight women’s rights and advocacies.

Directed by Carmen del Prado, Sine Niña, was scored by Pat Lasaten and Agnes Reoma of Ben&Ben, and features songs by Ben&Ben, Barbie Almalbis, Hazel Faith, and Any Name’s Okay.

The film made its debut last October 18 at Gateway Cinema 6 in Quezon City, with hundreds of students in attendance. The screening featured a panel discussion, as well as performances by Sony Music Entertainment (SME) artists Kai Buizon and Hazel Faith.

The screening was scheduled to coincide with “International Day of the Girl,” a day of observance which seeks to unite and empower adolescent girls, while providing them with more opportunities—an objective that director Carmen del Prado kept close to heart while making the film. “To quote [one of the girls in the film,] ‘It’s a story about a hundred other girls out there choosing passion over practicality,’” del Prado says. “So here’s to women supporting women!”

Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines, could not agree more: “Sony Music Entertainment is dedicated to empowering and elevating all members of societies where we have a presence. We are committed to bridging gaps in society and look forward to the long-term impact of Sine Niña in helping unlock the potential of young women in the Philippines,” she says. “Together, let us build a future where every young woman can claim her rightful place and contribute to the progress of our society.”

Other partners of Sine Niña are: The US Embassy in the Philippines, The J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Girls Got Game, the Quezon City Government, and the Taguig City Government.

Sine Niña will be available to stream on the SPARK! YouTube channel by the end of the month. It will also be screened in schools nationwide.

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About The Sony Global Social Justice Fund

The Sony Global Social Justice Fund was created in 2020, with the goal of helping fight racial and social injustice worldwide. In just two years, the Fund has pledged 71% of the $100 million it has committed, helping over 400 community organizations worldwide involved in civic engagement, environmental justice, criminal justice reform, and education.